U.S. Naval Presence in Southeast Asia: Is It Necessary?
Abstract
This thesis is an examination of the need for a U.S. Naval presence in Southeast Asia. With the rapid changes in the world geopolitical order following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989, the need for American military presence in all parts of the world is being reexamined. This thesis examines the most recent policy and strategy statements of both the President and the Pentagon and how Southeast Asia might fit in to this new strategy. U.S. national interests in Southeast Asia are reevaluated for the post-Cold War era, concluding that the United States does indeed have strong interests, primarily economic, in the region. There are several potential threats to U.S. interests in Southeast Asia, both internal and external to the region. The internal threats are the traditional rivalries within the region. Potential external threats are from China and Japan seeking regional hegemony. A strong U.S. naval presence will be superior to any regional navy and is essential to ensuring U.S. national interests in the region remain secure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA273188
Entities
People
- Todd A. Gunerman
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School